As the world continues its journey towards ‘greener’ motoring, Jaguar Land Rover has dropped the much-vaunted V6 and V8 diesel engine in favour for something more electrified. Following the Range Rover P400e PHEV, the latest Range Rover D300 and D350 incorporate the all-new 48V mild-hybrid system.
However, unlike the PHEV variants that use 2.0-litre inline-four engines, these new diesel variants debut the latest generation of buttery-smooth 3.0 litre straight-six Ingenium diesel engines, granting the Range Rovers better fuel efficiency and improved levels of refinement. As the models’ designation suggests, the D300 and D350 variants are available with 300hp and 350hp respectively.
Replacing the old V8 diesel, the straight-six Ingenium diesel engines with the mild-hybrid system deliver impressive performance while maintaining optimal fuel consumption and emissions standards. The higher-powered D350 variant achieves a 0-100kph in just 6.9 seconds, mighty impressive considering this behemoth weighs over two tonnes. Pumping out 700Nm of torque, while emitting just 237g CO2 per km, the new Ingenium line of engines are some of the most versatile engines in the world today.
Aside from the all-new powertrain, the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport come with new, special edition trim levels that add another level of sophistication to the big SUV. The Range Rover now comes with the Westminster, Westminster Black Edition and an exclusive SVAutobiography Dynamic Black editions.
The Westminster Edition is based on the Vouge trim level and is available in both diesel and PHEV guises. Atlas exterior accents and 21-inch Diamond Turned Alloy wheels give a distinct look. At the same time, the interior has been upgraded with soft-close doors, suede headliners, a sliding panoramic sunroof and black veneer, as well as a 19-speaker Meridian Surround sound system.
The Westminster Black Edition adds on the Black Exterior Pack, where customers can choose between 3 different wheel designs in 21 and 22-inch sizes. The new SVAutobiography Dynamic Black, on the other hand, is a refreshed version of the exclusive SVAutobiography Dynamic trim.
Not one to be left out, the Range Rover Sport also has three new trim levels for customers to choose from. The HSE Silver and HSE Dynamic Black provide similar features to the Westminster and Westminster Black edition found in the Range Rover.
The SVR Carbon Edition, as the name suggests, is available only on the Range Rover Sport SVR high-performance variant. The 575hp SVR Carbon Edition features an exposed carbon fibre bonnet, carbon interior inserts and engine cover, as well as a unique 22-inch gloss black alloy wheels.
Aside from the visual upgrades, Land Rover has enhanced the connectivity of the Range Rover range, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay now coming in as standard, with an option for eight individual 4G Wi-Fi connections. Spotify has also been embedded into the infotainment system for seamless musical entertainment for all occupants.
For the more health and safety-conscious occupants, the Range Rover has you covered, now being equipped the Cabin Air Ionisation system, now with PM2.5 filtration. This set-up filters out unwanted odours, as well as dust particles and allergens, giving those with sensitive noses a relaxing and healthy environment to travel in.
Believe it or not, this “new” generation of Range Rovers have been on the market for over seven years. While most carmakers would have already unveiled two new generations, the JLR have stood-by the tried and tested Range Rover. With the introduction of the new mild-hybrid powertrains and special editions, the Range Rover is well-equipped to remain a cut above its more-modern rivals.
